Warm weather and a build-up of local emissions have led Sadiq Khan to declare a ‘high’ air pollution alert for the city on Tuesday.
The Mayor of London announced on Monday evening that the second air pollution warning of the year has been given. City Hall said “a strong likelihood of high ozone levels, caused by the hot, sunny weather and south-easterly winds blowing existing pollutants from the continent towards London”.
Mr Khan said: “We all know the dangers toxic air poses to Londoners, which is why I am doing everything in my power to tackle it.
“On Tuesday alongside the current high temperatures, we will also experience high levels of air pollution.”
City Hall issues alerts to Londoners, schools and local boroughs when moderate, high, or very high air pollution is forecast.
The alerts will be displayed at public locations across London, including all bus stop signs, on the Underground and on roadside signs.
So what do the different air pollution alerts mean? Here’s everything we know.
What do different air pollution alerts mean?
The Met Office divides ranks air pollution levels through four bands: low, moderate, high and very high.
The rankings depend on the ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and particulate matter levels.
When the air pollution levels are marked as “low”, life continues as normal.
Toxic air shortens the lives of thousands of Londoners every year.
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) January 23, 2023
We are expecting high pollution levels tomorrow. Please play your part by avoiding unnecessary car trips and not leaving your engine idling.
When air quality is ranked as “moderate”, however, adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems who experience symptoms are advised to decrease their strenuous physical activities.
When a “high” air pollution alert is issued, anyone who experiences discomfort is encouraged to reduce their activity, especially outdoors. The symptoms could be dry eyes, sore throat or coughs.
Those who have lung and/or heart problems and older individuals are advised to reduce physically taxing activities.
Meanwhile, asthma sufferers are encouraged to keep their reliever inhaler nearby, as they might need it more often than usual.
The most extreme air pollution warning is “very high”. It requires people to decrease their physically tiring activities and consider any symptoms the air pollution might be causing before spending time outdoors.
Older people and those with lung and heart issues are advised to avoid exhausting physical activities altogether.
Children may need to be kept away from school and discouraged from playing outside.
